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In 2015 a new strain of the canine influenza virus was discovered in the USA and has since spread rapidly through the dog population. As it is something the dogs won’t have been exposed to before and vaccines against it have only recently appeared on the market, the vast majority have no immunity and will succumb to the infection.

Most will develop a soft cough that can last between 10 and 30 days, a mild fever, some lethargy and often a nasal discharge. A minority will suffer from the more severe form of the disease where they have pneumonia (lung infection), often caused by a bacterial infection on top of the virus, and very high temperatures.

The treatment for canine flu is mainly supportive care while their system fights the virus. In milder cases this may simply involve keeping them warm, rested, their fluid intake up and ensuring they eat well. The more severely affected individuals often need antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and sometimes even hospitalization to go on a drip.

The survival rate for canine influenza is very good. Even when the dogs are very poorly, only a small minority will succumb to the infection. | 02.21.16 @ 09:02

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